Carmen graduated from Libbey High School in Toledo, for which she was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame, “Round-up,” as an Honorary Distinguished Alumnus for the decade of the '30s for career and community in 1994. She graduated from Toledo University with a BBA degree. After moving to the Rochester, N.Y., area, she volunteered as a leader for Girl Scouts, 4-H Club, Chairperson of Christian Education at Genesee Baptist Church, Board for Cooperative Extension Services, the Heath Association, Memorial Art Gallery, Civic Music Association, Community Chest Cancer Society, Red Cross, March of Dimes and the American Association of University Women. Carmen obtained funding for families in need of counseling and for programs dedicated to special needs children as well as senior citizens.

During her career as Executive Director for Brighton, New York’s Recreation and Youth Service Agency, Carmen was instrumental in the development of Brighton Town Park and Carmen Clark Lodge, named in her honor. She is credited with founding many community projects such as the Riverside Community Center, the Brighton Symphony Orchestra, the Brighton Art Club and was instrumental in arranging programs for the handicapped. Carmen also founded the Brighton Badminton and Swim Clubs for children and many other community programs for children and adults alike. Countless lives have been enriched due to Carmen’s efforts.

She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl and Deborah, both of Port Charlotte, and Christine (Charles) of Monroe, Wis.; and four grandchildren. Carmen was preceded in death by her first husband, John Clark; and her second husband, William Buser.